Happy New Year to everyone. Sorry for the delayed postings, but since we talked last year, I have been busy in the kitchen working on new recipes for 2014. I figure everyone has probably made some sort of resolution to eat healthier, lose weight, or save money. I, personally, plan to work out more, eat less, and shed those extra pounds so I can fit into the skinny jeans I got for Christmas. Not to mention, if I start now, I will be in good shape for bikini season. Therefore, my next few upcoming posts will be about healthy and quick lunch options you can eat on the go, take to work, or put in a lunch box.

Before I unveil my next recipe, I wanted to thank all of you who participated in our EZ Tofu Press giveaway before the holiday season. I received lots of good stories, but I had to award the best story (and free tofu press) to Vernekie Daniels. Her account heralds the trials and tribulations associated with eating vegan in a carnivorous family. However, in the end, Vernekie accomplishes the goal I have set for this blog…making great vegan food that even a carnivore would enjoy. So, kick back, enjoy the story and stay tuned for the next carnilicious recipe.

My Show Stopping Thanksgiving Dinner – Vernekie Daniels

My husband and I had the pleasure of traveling to South Georgia (USA) to our relatives for the Thanksgiving holiday. What a joy it is to go home to my roots where I can slow down and unwind from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta and just be back woods country. When I go down home to visit my family I always get my all I want to cook and eat while visiting from Atlanta before leaving. I just had to get my vegetarian roasts and other vegan items before leaving I am from a small town with one grocer and I know they carry a lot of vegetarian process items, but the little grocery store is getting better at vegan stock, they had Gardien and veggie hot dogs, that it seems little or no one buys!

My family are people who are 100% meat eater, including my hubby and I know from experience don’t push them to give up there bbq red meats, and smoked ham hocks, fat back, maple smoked bacon, smoke sausage, well, you get the drift! If you try to influencing them to eat a meatless meal or even to just taste some, you might just get a muddy boot thrown at your head! I have tried to be informative with them been there done that, and I learned to do what works for me and I am happy, but I still have my chitterlings/hog mauls eating family in my prayers.

My loving aunt Edna cooked her tradition thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings and I prepared my dinner in 3 hours tops and let me tell you it was beautiful! I finished preparing my meal in no time and they waited until I finish cooking so we could all say prayer. Afterwards, we all prepared our plates. Just as I was uncovering my vegan roast, the aroma hit them in the face, my aunt said “T, what is that? That small good!” My mother was curious too nodding with approval, my little niece ran over to look curiously. I smiled and said, “Well, thank you, it’s a veggie roast.” My mom, says, “that doesn’t look like vegetables.” I laughed, but didn’t go on to explain, because they really didn’t want more detail, but I so glad I made this meal made them curious and it lead them to see that veggie cooking is not bland, but so delicious, and appealing! Later that night as we were putting away the leftovers, I walked in on my mom, aunt and little niece tasted a sample plate of my dinner! I could believe it!! When she saw me looking towards her my aunt said, “Oh, I just want to see what that tastes like, that taste really good, T.” That moment made this Thanksgiving a joyous one for me.

Best wishes to everyone in 2014. I have a lot in store for you all. Longer Letter Later.

Love, Bob aka The Grassfed Carnivore